The highway has a
strategic importance for both Vietnam and Laos, said Phuc, adding
that it will further boost the exchanges between the two countries in
general, and between Vietnam ’s northwestern provinces and Laos’
northern provinces in particular.

For his part,
Lao Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad stressed the importance of the
road as a priority in Laos’ socio-economic development.

Expressing his gratitude to the Vietnamese Party, Government and
people for their help in building the highway, the Deputy PM said
it will contribute to improving the infrastructure of Laos , and serve
as Laos’ transit road to other countries in the region.

The highway, linking Khoa district in Phongsaly province of Laos
to the Tay Trang border gate in Dien Bien province, stretches 68.2
kilometres. Total investment for road is US$43 million and it is the
second project financed by the Vietnamese government on the land of
Laos.-VNA